2017-11-03

From left: Professor Daniel Sjöberg (supervisor), Lund university, Andreas Ericsson, Professor Stefano Maci (opponent), University of Siena.

Functional structures can be used for designing antennas and communication systems at different levels of the communication chain, such as at the base stations, hand-held terminals, or the satellite communication link. Because of the current international communication expansion, future satellite communication systems require even higher data throughput. One way to achieve this is by utilising multiple spot beam systems and frequency/polarisation reuse schemes, as in the figure. In these systems, a circular polarisation selective structure (CPSS) can play a key role as a diplexer, transmitting or reflecting waves depending on their polarisation state.

Electromagnetic waves play a key role in the communication networks that today encompass the whole world. These waves interact with obstacles in several different ways. For example are waves generated, redirected and absorbed when illuminating different objects and structures. Controlling these interactions, and designing structures that enhance certain features of them, can result in very interesting effects. Structures that interact with electromagnetic waves in a purposeful way are referred to as functional structures. These functional structures of various materials are the focus of the research that ended in the PhD Thesis newly presented by Andreas Ericsson, Department of Electrical and Information Technology, LTH, Lund university.

– In my thesis, functional structures for electromagnetic waves have been design and characterised, both numerically and experimentally, for different applications. An example of such structures designed in the thesis are: circular polarisation selective structures for satellite communication applications. These structures are used to increase the data throughput of future satellite communication systems. Potentially this results in faster internet in our cell phones. Another example of such structures that I’ve studied are electromagnetic absorbers for radar cross section reduction in aeronautics applications, Andreas Ericson explains.

How come you pursued a PhD? 

During his bachelor studies Andreas stumbled upon Gerhard Kristenssons course in Electromagnetic Theory, and this was the start of his career in the field. 

– I was instantly fascinated by electromagnetic phenomena and especially electromagnetic waves. During my Masters, I studied all courses I could find relating to these waves, given by Mats Gustafsson, Daniel Sjöberg, Anders Karlsson and Richard Lundin. After that, I wanted to learn more and realised that a PhD with the Electromagnetic Theory group at EIT was a great way to do this.   

Why LTH?
– I was born in Linköping, Sweden, and during my younger years I spent most of my time playing ice hockey. After I graduated high school I decided to move south to Lund to experience the world-renowned education at LTH, as well as the night life of the famous “student nations”. My first day in Lund, at the Engineering Physics program, I met my wife Malin and at that day I became rooted in Skåne, Andreas continuous.

How did you deal with not playing Ice hockey in Lund?
– I have always loved sports in general, and this interest I have kept alive during my time at EIT. Every week, I have had the pleasure of playing floor ball with some colleagues, including my supervisor who also happens to be the head of my department.

What are your plans now?
– I am starting a new position in January at a company called TICRA, located in central Copenhagen. They specialise in developing software for design and simulation of space antennas and satellite communication systems. At this company, I will continue working with the technology that was the focus of my research during my PhD, Andreas concludes.    

The thesis: Design and Characterization of Functional Structures for Electromagnetic Waves is available at http://portal.research.lu.se/portal/en/publications/design-and-characterization-of-functional-structures-for-electromagnetic-waves(0a2f5392-8b27-48f6-976d-39df2134e6e2).html